This literature review includes a broad review of LGBTQ+ civil rights law and evolving cases, population research and limitations of data collection, student survey findings on school climate and safety, education best practices at the classroom, district and state level, and student perspectives from youth across the country, including members of…

A positive and welcoming school environment is a foundational aspect of student success that provides both physical and emotional safety for all students. A growing body of scientific evidence links SEL to improved academic performance. It fosters a sense of self-efficacy while boosting self-confidence and a sense of belonging. This literature…

This nation needs many more students to attend college and graduate, but several things are getting in the way, particularly for marginalized students. Among those who do get in, many are unable to finish. Children in this country need to be successful in school, graduate, and have options to either attend college or join the workforce. This…

Schools should be spaces where students feel safe and welcome, actively engage with learning, and strive for success. Discipline policies and practices should reinforce these values, particularly safety and belonging. Unfortunately, ineffective discipline practices that punish students harshly and take them away from the classroom -- like…

The goal of this toolkit is to give educators and school leaders the tools that they need to prevent bullying and harassment by fostering a positive school climate. This package is meant to be used as a guide for teachers and administrators in their work to develop a safe and healthy school climate and, in the process, prevent bullying and…

Although universal prevention is critical to the prevention of bullying and harassment, certain students may need additional, targeted supports to reduce the likelihood of harmful interactions and to moderate the harm done when such interactions occur. This report offers strategies to help support students who are directly involved with bullying…

Although bullying behaviors can occur in many different contexts, classroom teachers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address these behaviors in a classroom setting. Every classroom can benefit from routines and structures that allow students to feel safe, valued, and able to participate fully. However, the types of routines and…

Research and advocacy have pinpointed the necessity of improving access to broadband and electronic devices in addition to securing research skills as part of a well-rounded education. The numerous factors surrounding digital literacy are also directly related to equity. This literature review explores the research and data on digital access and…

It is important to acknowledge the role of community participation in the efforts on the prevention of school-based bullying and harassment. There is an extensive body of research on the importance of school-family partnerships (e.g., Montemayor & Chavkin, 2016; Henderson, et al., 2007; Cohen & Freiberg, 2013; Bradshaw, 2015) and…

In order to ensure that all students have access to the everyday activities and lessons of school, educators must work to create safe educational spaces and prevent bullying and harassment in schools. This literature review presents the research highlights on: (1) prevalence and impact; (2) risk factors; (3) school obligations under law; (4)…

Schools are required by the U.S. Constitution, federal and state legislation, and court rulings to ensure equity and excellent education for emergent bilingual students. This literature reviews those policies, related funding and the history of poor quality of instruction provided to these learners. It also describes the research on bilingual…

Before developing a school- and community-wide work plan around preventing bullying and harassment, school administrators should employ data collection tools to determine their specific areas of focus. Successful bullying prevention efforts must be driven by local data and rooted in research on effective practices. These policies must undergo…

Because bullying behaviors occur across the many spaces that exist within schools (e.g., classrooms, gyms, bathrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias), and because students often move between classrooms and teachers, it is critical for schools to take a schoolwide approach to preventing bullying and harassment (Jones & Bouffard, 2012; Bradshaw, 2015).…

A growing interest in more equitable education, particularly regarding historical contributions of racial and ethnic communities, has heightened advocacy for adopting ethnic studies. The focus of ethnic studies courses can vary across the nation. Some courses prioritize the accomplishments and contributions of racial and ethnic minorities in the…

Maintaining racially and economically integrated schools is crucial in fostering an equitable education environment and carries tremendous academic and social benefits for students and the community. Erica Frankenberg, Ed.D., Pennsylvania State and Director of the Center for Education & Civil Rights, provides integration strategies by and for…